Christmas, the Great Gift Card Swap?

Somehow, the words Christmas and gift cards seem like sacrilege within the same sentence. I mean, how do Baby Jesus and gift cards go together? However, for many families, Christmas has turned into the drawing of names and trading one gift card for another.

Don’t get me wrong; I love a good gift card. However, somewhere in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I think the gift card swap has taken the place of true gift-giving. Plus, for those on a budget, gift card exchanges tie up your cash flow during the holidays. That money may be put to better use paying bills or in keeping credit cards clear rather than to just get one gift card in exchange for another. However, there are fantastic gift-giving alternatives.

For the last 15+ years, my dad’s side of the family has transformed Christmas gift-giving, and I would like to share my experience with you. We draw names for Christmas gifts after Thanksgiving dinner. However, we have a rule that our gifts must be either homemade or something that you currently own. We found that when someone wanted something in our family, they went and purchased it. No one, including Jackson and Lucy, had a “list” of items that they were waiting to purchase or have purchased for them.

Now, you may be thinking that the idea of making something or giving something you already own is crazy or that no one is that talented in your family. I promise this method makes the gift-giving process extremely fun. So fun, in fact, that we now do the same for birthdays. Giving something that you currently own can be hard if you don’t want to let an item go, but those to me are the gifts that really come from your heart.

Suddenly making gifts, knowing the details, and imperfections make the giving extremely special. It is those gifts that have been made for me or that have been well thought out and given to me that are dear treasures to my heart. Oh, and you will be the star of the party when you give some of the DVDs that you have not watched in a while to a family member who hasn’t seen them or who loves movies.

Here are a few Christmas morning gift-giving memories that I love will never forget.

My mom gave Lucy one of her Coach purses for Christmas last year. This ten-year-old was ecstatic (her mom may borrow it sometimes too, shhh)!

My uncle made my dad a Georgia Bulldogs walker a few years ago before my dad had knee surgery. It was awesome.

My aunt made Lucy and her American Girl Doll a set of matching aprons a few years ago. We had no clue how talented a seamstress my aunt was!

My mom made Jackson a bin for his old records that he collects.

Sometimes it is hard to suggest to your family that the gift card swap should stop, but you will be the one to create and lead the way to a new, amazing family tradition. Plus, it probably takes more time to order or pick up a gift card than it is to find something special in your house.

Oh, and don’t exclude baking. Sean’s aunt makes a pound cake that people will fistfight over. Every year, my mom makes Sean a batch of Toll House chocolate chip cookies, and she makes me a sweet potato pie for our birthdays. We give boiled peanuts, strawberry pies, and other requested desserts.  This year in preparation for the holiday season, I purchased a Cucina pizzelle maker to make some beautifully unique cookies that I know will be a hit at parties and gatherings.

I hope you find that creating and giving gifts this holiday season is completely gratifying for you. Somewhere in my soul, I think that this is what was meant when the three wise men gave Baby Jesus his three gifts that sacred night.

From the Green family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!

Do you have any interesting gift-giving traditions? We would love to hear from you! Please drop us a line in the comment section below!